Districts look to fill school board seats

Muskegon County and Ottawa County residents have until 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, to file applications at their respective county clerk offices to appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. Candidates must file a petition with a minimum of 40 and maximum of 100 valid signatures, or pay a non-refundable $100 filling fee.

Residents must note on their affidavit which term they are applying for.

Fruitport Community Schools:

— Three seats with four-year terms ending in 2018

Grand Haven Area Public Schools:

— One seat with a two-year term ending in 2016

— Three seats with six-year terms ending in 2020

Spring Lake Public Schools:

— Two seats with four-year terms ending in 2018

— Two seats with six-year terms ending in 2020

Justin Roebuck, elections coordinator for Ottawa County, explained that school districts have varying term lengths because school board elections moved from May to November of even-numbered years. He said each district has chosen how it will transition into all six-year terms.

Fruitport Community Schools Superintendent Bob Szymoniak said the best board members are those who run because they care about students and the school district.

Residents can pick up nominating petitions and Affidavits of Identity at the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office, 414 Washington Ave., Room 320, Grand Haven; or 12220 Fillmore St., Room 130, West Olive. The Muskegon County Clerk’s Office is located on the first floor of 990 Terrace St. in Muskegon.

Read the complete story in today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.